Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Protect Our Students Act.
Section 2. Findings
Congress finds the following:
(1) School zone safety issues are prevalent across our communities and warrant additional Federal funding and attention.
(2) Each year, approximately 100 students are killed in traffic incidents walking to or from school and 25,000 students are injured.
(3) No student should have to fear for their lives when walking to or from school.
Section 3. Highway safety programs
Section 402(a)(2)(vi) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting and traffic incidents in school zones after buses.
Section 4. Regulations
The Secretary of Transportation shall issue such regulations as are necessary to clarify that highway safety program uses for school zone safety improvements under section 402(2)(vi) of title 23, United States Code, may include—
(1) crossing guards;
(2) flashing lights and beacons;
(3) visible signage and markings;
(4) crosswalks;
(5) traffic calming measures, including pedestrian islands;
(6) traffic lights;
(7) school zones audits and assessments;
(8) automated traffic enforcement; and
(9) Safe Routes to School non-infrastructure.
Section 5. Allocation
Section 402(b)(1)(C) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking 40 percent and inserting 50 percent.